President’s Message: Wrapping Up Summer, Looking Ahead to Fall
Aug 26, 2025As the summer quarter closes, I hope you find time to rest and recharge before the new academic year begins. This summer was a busy one with our highest student enrollment since 2018.
Dear Bellevue College colleagues,
As the summer quarter closes, I hope you find time to rest and recharge before the new academic year begins. This summer was a busy one with our highest student enrollment since 2018. Whether through OLS workshops, volunteering in a STEM nanopore technology pilot project, taking classes on campus and online, or engaging in the many efforts that advance our mission, learning was abundant at Bellevue College. Thank you for all you did to make it a worthwhile quarter for our students.
We also hosted the statewide QTPOC Symposium for the second year, and welcomed alum Ross Ishikawa, who shared his work on illustrating a graphic novel about Japanese American internment during World War II. These moments highlight how Bellevue College continues to foster learning, connection, and reflection well beyond the classroom.
Over the summer, I’ve been meeting with local, state, and national elected officials to strengthen relationships and share Bellevue College’s story. My goal in these conversations is twofold: to better understand how we can serve and partner with their constituencies, and to position our college as a hub for community impact through an educated workforce. I’m a firm believer that Bellevue College is an Eastside gem.
Campus itself is changing, too. Major demolition and construction are underway for the new W Building, and you can follow progress through photos and a live webcam on the New W Building website.
Looking ahead, I’m excited for the opportunity to connect with our Bellevue College community and alumni at the upcoming BC Night at the Mariners on Saturday, Sept. 13. I hope you’ll join me in celebrating a hopeful win against the Los Angeles Angels. Each ticket purchase comes with a t-shirt and benefits student success with a $5 donation to the Bellevue College Foundation.
Then, before we know it, Opening Day, Sept. 18, will be here and we’ll welcome students back with the start of fall quarter and Welcome Week on Sept. 22. Until then, thank you for the dedication and energy you’ve poured into Bellevue College this summer. I look forward to beginning a new year with you and building on the momentum we’ve created.
In community,
Dr. David May